free

1 not under the control or in the power of somebody else; able to do what you wantI have no ambitions other than to have a happy life and be free.Students have a free choice of courses in their final year.free to do somethingYou are free to come and go as you please.(informal)‘Can I use the phone?’ ‘Please, feel free(= of course you can use it).’

2 not restricted or controlled by anyone else; able to do or say what you wantA true democracy complete with free speech and a free press was called for.the country’s first free electionThey gave me free access to all the files.

not prisoner

3 (of a person)not a prisoner or slaveHe walked out of jail a free man.

animal/bird

4 not tied up or in a cageThe researchers set the birds free.

no payment

5 costing nothingAdmission is free.free samples/tickets/adviceWe're offering a fabulous free gift with each copy you buy.You can't expect people to work for free(= without payment).

not blocked

6 clear; not blockedEnsure there is a free flow of air around the machine.

without something

7 free from/of somethingnot containing or affected by something harmful or unpleasantfree from difficulty/doubt/fearfree from artificial colours and flavouringsIt was several weeks before he was completely free of pain.

9 free (of something)not attached to something or trapped by somethingPull gently on the free end of the rope.They had to be cut free from their car after the accident.She finally managed to pull herself free.

not being used

10 not being usedHe held out his free hand and I took it.Is this seat free?

not busy

11 free (for something)(of a person or time)without particular plans or arrangements; not busyIf Sarah is free for lunch I'll take her out.Keep Friday night free for my party.What do you like to do in your free time(= when you are not working)?

ready to give

12free with something(often disapproving)ready to give something, especially when it is not wantedHe's too free with his opinions.

translation

13a free translation is not exact but gives the general meaningcompareliteral

, shared by friend.Extra examplesAt last he’s totally free from pain.He said he would let the prisoners go free.He was trapped by his leg, but his rescuers cut him free.She managed to pull free of her attacker.She walked free from jail.The birds were set free.The exhibition is free for children under ten.The government wants to leave companies free to make their own decisions.The hospital needs to keep some beds free for emergencies.The organization wants to remain free from government control.The ship broke free from its moorings.The students are entirely free to choose their own courses.They let their prisoner free.They tied him up but he managed to get free.This attractive poster comes free with the magazine.We might be able to get some plants for free.We try and keep Sundays free.We will send you our booklet free of charge.We’ve managed to keep the garden free of weeds this year.animals roaming free across the plains‘Can I use the phone?’ ‘Please, feel free.He subdues one of the wild horses and then allows it to go free.He walked out of jail a free man.If Sarah is free for lunch I’ll take her out.If you can’t find a seat that’s free, you’ll have to stand.Students have a free choice of classes in their final year.The device allows you to talk on the phone with both hands free.The protesters set the animals free.There’s a new website that offers free legal advice to homeowners.What do you like to do in your free time?You can’t expect people to work for free.the country’s first free electionIdioms

be home and ˈdry(British English)(North American Englishbe home ˈfree)

to give somebody complete freedom of action; to allow a feeling to be expressed freelyThe designer was given free rein.The script allows full rein to her larger-than-life acting style.When I paint I just give my imagination free rein.